Dunn Heads South To Owl Country



Providence senior Danielle Dunn has had a successful career in North Florida. As a junior she helped Providence win the 1A cross country state championship. She followed that up with a runner-up finish in the 800 at the 1A state meet. Recently, Dunn announced she will head south to Boca Raton to run for Florida Atlantic University.

What has the recruiting process been like for you?
 
This recruiting process has been such an experience. I didn't know at all what to expect when everything first started. At first I thought I was getting a lot of random phone calls from different places so I was hesitant to answer, but after I finally realized that they were recruiting calls, the process truly began. I was a little nervous at first but after the second call I became pretty good at knowing what questions I wanted to ask and having my information ready for them as well.
 
What schools did you take visits to?
 
In my recruiting process I took three official visits. My first was the University of North Florida (UNF). It felt like home to me and it was fun to hang out with their team, but I wasn't sure how I felt about staying in Jacksonville. Then I went to Lipscomb up in Tennessee. That was a great experience and it was fun to see somewhere new. My final visit was to Florida Atlantic University (FAU). After visiting beautiful Boca Raton, I was sold. It had everything I was looking for. 
 
Why did you ultimately choose FAU?
 
For awhile I thought I was going to stay in Jacksonville. However, I kept thinking about it more and more and I realized I really didn't want to stay here. I wanted to go somewhere new and have a new experience. On my visit to FAU I quickly fell in love with the Boca Raton area and I really liked the campus. It is roughly three miles from the beach which almost immediately put a smile on my face. I loved the coaches and the team. They were the kind of people I wanted to surround myself with. On the academic side of college, FAU had my major I wanted to pursue which is marine biology. FAU seemed to have it all.
 
Talk about your bond with the coaching staff and other runners. How do you feel you fit in?
 
I immediately liked Coach Smolka after talking to him about his running philosophy because we shared the same views on training and racing. He is a very positive coach and is very uplifting. After meeting with the rest of the coaching staff, I felt as though I could really see myself going to their school. I finally met the girls on the team and got to know them a little better. They were fun-loving and focused and they had a close bond to each other. I really felt as though I would fit almost instantly.
 
How would you describe yourself as a runner?
 
I consider myself as a very experienced runner. I started competing when I was five years old and continued to chase after success. I have gone through the trials and I know how stressful running can be both physically and mentally. Getting up early while everybody else gets to sleep in on Saturday mornings isn't easy. At practice I like to work but also have fun at the same time. On the track I consider myself both an aggressive and smart racer. I love to lead the race, however in some races that isn't always the best idea. It's important to know when make your move.
 
What are you looking forward to most about running for FAU?
 
I am most looking forward to the colligate competition. I can't wait to be apart of a team wearing the uniform. Since i am receiving a full ride, I really want to make a contribution and help them win something. I want see how far I can push my body and what barriers I can personally break. I have worked so hard to get here, and now I can go to the next level. With the FAU team and coaches I know I can do great things. 

How much of a relief was it to get it out of the way so you could focus on your senior season?
 
After I had decided on which school I would be attending, I felt as if a major weight had been lifted off of me. I have a passion for track so being able to just focus on my training without having the stress of college decisions makes it just that much more enjoyable. I am now free to just get on the track and do what I love to do. This is my last season of my high school career so I want it to be memorable for not only myself but everyone else who has been there for me. I have some big goals this track season so now I can put all my attention and focus toward those goals.
 
It's your senior year what are your goals for this year and beyond?
 
My goals this year in track in field are to run 4:55 for the mile and to run 2:10 for the 800. I have been working really hard this year so I think I can do them. I really want to win states in the 4x800 but that's something that will take a team effort. And as always at states, I'm going to go for the gold and see what happens.

 What are some of your greatest memories from high school?
 
After cross country season, everything really hit me that this is my final year. I cried knowing that this is the last time I will run beside these amazing and gifted girls again. My team has been the best. Thing that has ever happened to me. The Providence girls have such a tight bond and I really think that we will all stay in touch over the next few years. Some of my favorite memories are going on adventure runs with the girls and not knowing where we would end up, running away from dogs who's got out of their fences and all the fun we have had on away trips. I think my favorite memory was winning the cross country state championships and being on the top podium with the team. We were all in tears holding hands and holding the gold. 

Is their anyone you would like to thank?
 
I am also so thankful for everyone who has helped me get to where I am today and without the help of my coaches, parents and team I wouldn't be successful. I'm also very thankful of Coach Smolka for giving me the Full ride which I have worked 13 years to attain. 

Personal Bests

  • 1,600 Meter Run5:02.00

  • 3,200 Meter Run11:24.09

  • 5,000 Meter Run18:54.28

  • 800 Meter Run2:15.31

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